WARWICK blokes - it's time to grow a beard.

There comes a time in every man's life when he should let it all go - and that time is now.

We're looking for 150 Queensland men to join our 150-day beard-growing initiative in the hope of raising more than $150,000 for research into men's cancers.

What better way to stay warm through winter than by joining our Beard150 campaign.

The campaign calls on men to ditch the daily chore of shaving in solidarity with men affected by cancer.

A beard doesn't just say you're a man, it says you're the man!

And just like facial hair, there are many style options. You can register as a participant and grow your beard any shape, style or length, or ladies you can sponsor a loved one.

Some supporters have even pledged to shave or colour their facial fur in a quest to help us raise vital funds for cancer research and support patients in your local community.

The campaign also gives you a get-out-of-jail-free card from the disapproval of any partners and mothers who might ordinarily prickle at the thought of beard rash.

While men fare well on many economic indicators, such as earnings and employment progression, in health they face poorer outcomes than women across a wide range of key indicators.

This includes lower life expectancy, higher levels of avoidable mortality, and higher mortality from almost all common causes of death including cancer.

Men's health and well-being is an important issue for the whole community. We need to do more to improve survival rates and support all men affected - and Beard150 is a unique fundraising event that allows us to do just that.

About three men every day in south-west Queensland receive the news they have cancer, and sadly more than 380 will die from the disease this year alone.

State wide, 13,400 men will be diagnosed with cancer this year - about 4000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, 2000 with melanoma and 1700 with bowel cancer. Tragically, nearly 4800 of these men will die from the disease.

Beard150 aims to help improve health outcomes for all Queensland men by lowering their risks of cancer and increasing their chances of survival.

With your help we can support brothers, fathers, sons, football coaches and mates who have already been affected by cancer and prevent others from being diagnosed in future.

Up to one-third of cancers and 40% of deaths from cancer worldwide could also be prevented through making simple lifestyle changes including quitting smoking, participating in screening programs, eating healthily, staying active and being SunSmart.

Beard150 gives men more muscle to talk about cancer, to prevent it, to get checked, and to support other men who are going through the battle.

To man up and grow your support by registering or sponsoring a mate, visit Beard150.com or call 1300 65 65 85.